My Week

My last blog mentioned that my son's dog chewed up my antique fur muff.  I was devastated not to mention all the down feathers everywhere.  Well I've been redeemed with this find on ebay for $10.50 + shipping.

My furnace was blowing cold air yesterday. I pulled out the manual and it seemed to say that the flashing red light meant it needed service. I called Mike to check it for me. I explained that the warranty expired on Oct 31st. He didn't see a problem until he noticed that the thermostat was flashing for a battery replacement. I explained that when I replaced the batteries that the flash didn't go away. I gave him some more batteries and he programmed it for me free of charge. Mike is today's angel.

I found a hand clipper at Goodwill and cut my cana down.  I dug up the roots and gave them to Sean because he has a basement for the winter. Weather is getting worse.  Ug!

 

I cleaned my oven.  I can't remember when I did it last. Yes, I do have a self cleaning oven but you know I must wipe down the residue after that. 

This has been a week for the wind.  Marley is acting a little different and following me around like a storm. I realized that the fireplace is open and can hear the wind. She likes to sleep under the fireplace shelf. So, I'm on my couch with her by my side.

I went to the first Veterans Book Group at the Old State Capitol.  I didn't read the flyer correctly that there was to be a reservation.  With only four in attendance, that was no problem except that I hadn't read the reading and unprepared.  I wish I had because it affects my character that I reenact, Belle Reynolds.  She's not mentioned by name but who else could she be in the article What I Saw of Shiloh by Ambrose Bierce.
 http://www.classicreader.com/book/1165/1/

Friday I helped out at the Old State Capitol.  During that time I had lunch with Michael and saw Rauner at Cafe Moxo on his "thank you" tour.

video here: http://new.livestream.com/blueroomstream/events/3541148/videos/67354910

My last tour was a group of hyper school kids.  In the evening I went to  "Girls Night Out to Adopt a Veteran" at the DAV.  They had a psycic and belly dancers.  I swear, if I had a big fat belly, I would not be belly dancing like one of them was doing.  Their website says "A woman without a belly is like a night without stars." Arabic idiom.  I don't think that meant; the bigger the better.

It's been just a little under a month since my drastic hair cut and donation to wigs for kids.  I have not gotten an acknowledgement from the organization but I did get a post card from Great Clips for 10% off on my next hair cut.  That's not going to happen soon.

Saturday I went to a bon-fire with ABATE on the lake at Villa Maria.  It was supposed to be a belated Halloween party.  Not too many dressed up because of the cold.

I dressed warm.  I brought Marley but as you can see, she was very afraid.  Mostly the loud music from the DJ so I put her back in the car.

 

Bobbi was the Lion and proud of her courage.

I saw that my past Soldiers Angel adoptee has now become part of the American Legion Honor Guard.  I am so proud of him.

It must be close to Christmas because I'm sure getting a lot of catalogs in the mail.

I got my legion uniform on for an interview with Alicia from WICS  at the Old State Capitol about the Veterans Book Club.  It will air the morning of Veterans Day.

Monday morning I did a news interview for the upcoming Veterans Book Group.  I wore my Legion uniform.

Monday night I danced at Snyder Village and afterward Jean Meyer gave us all a copy of our group photo.  My regret is that my fan fixed to a chain to a button on my skirt is now missing.  It's not so much the fan as much as the chain that makes me sad.

I needed a few videos of some of our dances to study by and the wife of our group's leader was shown how to work my flip video.  I told her it was easy on and off power and record and quit are both on the red button.  I think she did an excellent job.  Don't you?

Here's a link to more about Lancers.
http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3lancrs.htm


It doesn't show on the Beyerly Waltz but David is whispering what to do next. 

Well this week's edition is quite long so I'll include my Veterans Day activities in the next publish edition. 

My Week

This week the frost has hit.  That means a lot of work and taking down the garden.

Tuesday I went to a potluck at the 114th Regiment house and after that I went to a homecoming for the final Honor Flight of the year.

I must be getting old.   I went to the OSC on Wednesday but I was scheduled for Thursday.  Since I was there, I gave a tour anyway and got a $5 tip. I was surprised.  They must have liked the tour I gave.  Pat told me that it was OK to accept gifts up to $100.  I went on to have lunch with Michael and then on to my thrift store shopping.  I got a goose down quilt similar to what we used in the hotel in Germany last year.   It may be warm but it takes up a lot of space.  You just can't fold the darn thing.

Wednesday night I went to the Interveterans Council Meeting. I updated the website.  
https://sites.google.com/site/sangamoncountyinterveterans/

Thursday I gave tours at the Old State Capitol.  Afterward I went to a retirement party for Bob at my old work place.  In the evening I went to the VFW and won first place in the adult Halloween Costume contest.  Here's the gang.

I think the fact that I brought my prop, Rosemary Zombie Girl, that helped me win.  She's like my little ghost sister.  "Monkey" thinks he can fix her electronic lurching that is malfunctioning.   I'll let him try after trick or treating..
My son, Alan, had his first trick or treat in his new house and is getting lots of kids. My door bell rang 4 times.  Then I didn't realize it that there was 2 official nights for trick or treat.  I had a few stop by for treats on the evening of November 1.  I wasn't expecting them and I was stuck throwing a robe on because I was dressing for Rocky Horror Show at the Hoogland.  Friday I went to the show as Columbia and on Saturday I went as Janet. 

Saturday I went All Saints Day Mass at 8:30 and then to Metamora for a group publicity photo session of our dancers at noon.  I understand that the photographer was willing to do some professional shots for a fee but I used my own camera.  Besides, I have enough pictures in my ball gown(s).  I did like the 26 star flag in the background but it was cut off.  I was happy to wear my blue gloves that I found in a thrift store but you can hardly see them.

Sunday we changed our clocks.  I didn't realize there was a song for this.  It's also on YouTube.

Sean's dog, Moe, tore up my antique fur muff used for reenacting.  I had goose down feathers all over the house so I took the muff outside.  Now I have down in my yard.   Moe thought it was another stuffed animal that I get for him to play with (roughly I might add).  I find stuffed animals for him at the Salvation Army for 25 cents.  I had another disaster that day too.  Sean stepped down on my back porch while watching Moe run in the back yard and the step collapsed.  I see home repairs in my future.  I would like to remodel my kitchen (estimated at $16K) but I may need to fix my whole back porch into a sun room as a big project. Then Monday I noticed my furnace is blowing cold air.  I noticed a red flashing light through the little window.  Instructions say it's malfunctioning.  I had a note in my instruction book that said my parts warranty expired on Oct 31st. 

Monday I went to a Patriot Guard Mission for Samuel C Plummer, 63, US Army, Pawnee, IL, 3 Nov 2014.  The staging time of 8:30 was 46 degrees and a little cold for me to ride although it warmed to 60s later.  I did take my car and put my flags in the trailer hitch.  If the temperature didn't get me the wind would have.  PGR was invited to the funeral reception at Sugar Creek church.  On the way there, the wind was so strong along the interstate that a truck drifted into my lane.

I mailed a monthly package to my adopted soldier on Monday.

I had to make a tough decision:  American Legion meeting or free dinner at the Chesapeake Seafood House as a guest of the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.  No brainer.  But I had to pass information to the post for committees that I'm delegate. 

I caught a mouse in the trap but expect there are more based on the missing peanut butter at the end of unsnapped traps.  I guess this means I need to put out the poison pellets.  I just hate an odor of rotten mouse corpses.  You wonder where the smell is coming from and can't clean it up. Uggg!

I made a lower offer on a hair broach found on ebay that may need repair.  I offered $25. 

Time to take down the Halloween decorations.  Pull out the batteries till next year.
 

My Week

Boy are the leaves falling.   They fall like a light rain in the breeze.  I walk Marley to a crunch under my feet and it's almost impossible to police her doo-doo among the leaves.

I got a new coffee maker.

I cleaned my old Gevalia coffee pot out twice through with vinegar.  The cord must have gotten wet in the sink when I dumped it to get the floating grounds out.  The next day I had to have coffee at Hardees.  Afterward, I found a Gevalia Basic Coffee for Two coffee maker at the Goodwill and it had the sticker color that made it half off.  I had picked up some number two coffee filters.  So far I like this coffee maker.  However, I wonder if I'll wear out the one side that makes a single mug.

Wednesday I helped out at the Old State Capitol while the staff was in training.  That evening, there was a volunteer appreciation dinner.  They took our pictures with a green background to add the Old State Capitol and emailed them to me.

Most just did a straight pose and some tried on costumes.  I just wore my blazer that I have all my historic pins and name tag.  We had to bring down that cardboard cut out of Abe for this pose.

Thursday was like my day off.  I hemmed two pair of pants, laundry, 

I cleaned my coffee pot yesterday with vinegar.  was going to rinse it thru this morning and the lights were on but the burner was cold and it wouldn't pass the water thru.  I went and got coffee at Hardees.

I gave my son a Lowes card for his birthday.  There's so much he'll need for his house like a replacement window that I had in mind.  They had a cute little card holder that looks like a black tool box.  At first I thought it was frivolous to get that too but then I figure it's a cute card and package and the card wouldn't fall between seats of the car.

Saturday I put the 3 by 5 flags on the bike and rode escort for the return of the Illinois National Guard.   They were returning from Kuwait.  There was a ceremony in Chicago and local here at Camp Lincoln.  When I saw the friends and family that were waiting for the solders to march in, I couldn't help but think of all the videos online of homecomings and hugs.  I got a little emotional seeing them and what was about to happen at the command; "dismiss".  I sure got teary eyed at this family reunion.  The awaiting families had wonderful signs to welcome them home. 

You can't see me but I was holding the second flag on the left.  The tall soldier on the right is Dave.  He is our American Legion Post commander.

Both Friday and Saturday I went to the midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  One in Peoria and the other in Decatur.  I had a few shout-outs that gave me some moments of fame and hi-fives.

Sunday I read the first reading at Mass.  Since it was my younger son's birthday, my older son came over and did his laundry and then we went to Peoria to give him our gifts and had dinner at Granite City.  What a surprise!  We had the same waitress we had about 2 months ago for my birthday there.  She remembered us.  I ordered a "Supermodel Mojita" that was very good with all the peppermint leaves and lime.  I had Grilled Salmon Oscar and it was great.  Alan loved his gifts.
 He gifted me and Sean in return with a leather holster for our guns for our conceal carry.
Now to get my tickets for upcoming Rocky Horror Show (the play version) at the Hoogland later in the week.

My Week

I noticed that Marley is starting to get a little pudgy.  Since Bentley died, she's not had to play second fiddle to him during feeding.

On Oct. 14, from 7:30 to 11 a.m., the Military Museum will host a reception for volunteers from Springfield historic sites. The reception is a way to say "thank you" to those who have recommended the Military Museum to visitors and to introduce the Military Museum to those who have not been here previously. In addition to providing morning refreshments (coffee, juice, bagels, fruit, etc., (but not the typical military fare of chipped beef on toast or green eggs) and door prizes, the reception offers the opportunity to see the new Military Museum displays as well as those that have been our mainstays, such as Santa Anna’s leg and the Lincoln target board. The Museum is two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur and North Grand Ave.  I got there about 8AM.
Then I left and I sat in as part of the crowd for a hearing about the Knox building in support of the demolition.  I had to leave at 12:00 for the Womens Overseas Service League meeting so I missed the outcome.  The eyesore will come down.

The city sued the building owner more than two years ago, asking a judge for a demolition order. Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Pete Cavanagh granted one in the spring of 2012, but John Eglaston, a Chicago area man who purchased the property for $75,000 in 2008, convinced Cavanagh to rescind the order. Eglaston gave the court a report from an engineer who proclaimed the building structurally sound.  Eglaston vowed to convert the structure into apartments. 
City wants Knox Flats flattened
Here is the victory announcement in the State Journal Register.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20141014/NEWS/141019747

Wednesday I was the rifle bearer for the color guard at the Chatham Glenwood High School's homecoming parade.

Thursday I left the house at 8AM for a PGR funeral for Perk Chumley.  What a remarkable WW2 veteran.  He was a POW and when back to Germany where his plane crashed and returned with parts of the aircraft including the shell with the serial number.  This was on display at the funeral home.  I saw his handwritten diary and it can be found online here:
http://www.merkki.com/chumleyperk.htm
Since I was in the Air Force.  I held the AF flag.

In the evening I went to the ABATE meeting.  

Friday I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum as part of our Soldiers Aid Society to support our unit presenting the colors.  I didn't need my purse but I did need my car keys.  I used the clip on my keys that I usually hang on a belt loop and hung the keys on a ring of my hoop crinoline.

Saturday I had a nice ride with the Legion Riders (4 bikes, 5 riders, 2 in a mini van) to Boatel.  I thought it would be cold so I wore my warmest leathers; the jacket with fringe which had to get a
pony tail tie on the return trip to keep the trim from slapping my face.

In the evening I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum's Spooktakular evening with Abe.  I spooked the wax figure of Mary on inaugural night.  Flash photography was not allowed but this took rather well.

Sunday I went on a short ride with ABATE to Contact Ministries for a Christmas toy run.  I dropped off a battery operated lion and donated $20.

John snapped this photo.  Later, I noticed that there was a hole starting in the bottom of my favorite motorcycle boots.  I dropped them off to be repaired.

I am positive there's a critter under my shed.  The floor is rotted and there are openings.  Not sure how to go about replacing the shed at this point.  Perhaps someone can clear out the old shed and build new shed.  I think a concrete foundation would prevent a bad floor next time.  Both Marley and Moe stick their noses under small openings under the shed.  They know!

Monday I went out to photograph "Flat Dan" in the Springfield area for another Soldiers Angel to send to her adopted soldier, Daniel.  I took a picture at the WW2 Memorial  and at the Lincoln Tomb.

After that I sawed some lumber that I can use in the fireplace this coming winter.  I shower and off to stand in a flag line for PFC Gabby Yokum.

Gabby died in an auto accident along with two others and another in the hospital.  Very sad indeed and so young.  Many turned out for this funeral despite this photo being taken before the mourners arrived.

Monday night was a VFW meeting night.  Good folks there.  All for now.

My Week

This has been a moist week.  Mother Nature is trying to prepare our trees for winter. 

Wednesday I got my shopping in and had lunch with those state employees that were former co-workers.  I wanted to show my new hair cut to them.  I picked up a nice pair of jeans and a hoodie with the Milwaukee 105th anniversary on it.  It doesn't say Harley on it but does have the eagle.
In the evening I went to our AmVets Meeting at a new location at the lounge in the County Market.  It was nice and quiet there.  I learned that one of our life members had passed away.

Thursday I gave tours at the Old State Capitol.  That started off wrong.  As I entered the underground parking garage, there was a car stuck at the ticket gate and the gate wouldn't go up.  Well, there's no backing out of there because it's downhill and curved from the street.  I had him tucked in.  So I run to the other end where the exit is and get the attendant while wearing my period dress.  By the time I got back to my car, there were about 4 cars behind mine too.  We got in. 

In the evening I went to our Catholic War Veterans meeting.  On the way home about 9:40PM, the van in front of me hit a deer.  The deer got up and struggled off and the van pulled over up the road under as street light.  I had stuff all over the car when I hit my brakes.

Friday I dropped off a basket for Stephanie who also volunteers at the Old State Capitol.  I had an extra and the reticule was not working for her cell phone.  I went to Camp Butler to take a photo for a stone request on Find-a-grave.com.

Saturday I went to a Cemetery Walk in Carlinville.  It was cool but not cold.  Photos are on my public facebook album here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204013026118728.1073741864.1615723034&type=1&l=3c0f4195be

I went to County Market to use my penny pincher coupons before they expire and they had a sale cart for wine and I got a Beaujolais wine for cheese and crackers. 
I also got some that goes with chicken or turkey which I'll have to save for thanksgiving.

 Sunday I attended Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  Before Mass, I requested permission to  read a message to the congregation about who we were.  Most of what I had was directly from the national website but the priest read through it carefully.  He even looked at my pins as if to find anything that could go wrong.  He offered a red stool behind the podium for me to use since many of those with hearing aids tend to also sit in the back of church.

Then I cooked lunch for my son and myself.  I realized that the pint of milk I bought the night before was expired.  I don't use much milk and when I get some it ALWAYS expires in my refrigerator.  So I get small bottles.  I took it back and got my $1.19 back and went to the Dollar General and got the same for $1.39 and it has lots of time on it.

I recovered a director's chair.  Here's the before picture.  Can't use the letters on the back of it.

Here's the new:

I also have this nice reproduction throw that will be good for Civil War. 

As I get my electric blanket out, I found a hoard of 7 pillows.  That does not include the pair on my bed and my guest bed. May be time to pick a favorite.

For years I've been wanting a tie for my husband's uniform which is in a display case missing just that one item.  Now I have one thanks to a fellow legionaire.

I close this weekly report with my dance practice in Metamora.  I stopped to spend a little time with my son to see how his painting is coming along and it doesn't look very far.  The practice went well and we had a few changes with the Jackson Reel and the part about the "hey".  In some ways it seems simpler because we don't have to worry about who initiates this figure eight routine but on the other hand we have to get out of the center before the opposites cross center.  I had some good waltzing lessons.  I gave our leader heads up on a birthday among our group.  Yep, Larry knew it was me who ratted him out. 

My Week

I had my car washed with all the bells and whistles and ready for the rain on Thursday.  Tuesday morning a pretty good fog going on as I walked the dogs.  Yes, dogs.  I am dog sitting for Trinket.

I got to finish the newspapers that I picked up from the recycle bin and pull the comics and puzzles for the soldiers boxes.  Sean also gave me the military times so I need to separate those into boxes.  I have my end of month Soldiers Angels report to submit.

Tuesday evening I went to an event at the Lincoln museum for a presentation on Mary Todd Lincoln and 19th century spiritualism.  

http://alplmfoundation.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=683192

I spent a lot of money at the sutler in Danville.  I got a hair net, cage hoop, brown bonnet to go with my dress, petticoat, waist clip for the fan, and a scissors holder.   $256 but these items was very reasonable compared to those other places including ebay.  I mean really, a $65 bonnet!  Cheapest on ebay is $85 and poor.   A $35 petticoat that's over $55 on ebay.  Although I have to hem it up be pleats in the middle.  I need to hem that petticoat (among a lot of other projects but I have white thread on the sewing machine).  Not to mention, I had a dream that 2 "Stitch Nazis" came in the middle of a night to measure one of my pleats.  I swore I used a ruler but they said I measured the wrong way.  Then I woke up and saw the silliness.

I'm dog sitting Trinket, a sheltie, for a few weeks.  I had t teach her how to use the doggie door flap.  She had a nice run with Moe (Staffordshire terrier) on Sunday when my son brought his dog over.

Village utilities will be tearing up my lawn to fix the street light that's been out over a week.  I have little flags marking utilities on my lawn.  When a man asked to put a sensor like clamp on my faucet, I moved the recycle bin and found a baby bunny.  Normally I see toads.

Wednesday I rode Wheezer to Camp Butler for the Unaccompanied Burial Ceremony.  I found a new route there on Ridgley Road to avoid traffic.  

I know one of the 11 being honored at the unaccompanied burial on Wed. Bill Sherer who worked at the Old State Capitol is one of the names on the list. 

Here is his obit:
http://hosting-20192.tributes.com/obituary/show/Louis-William-Bill-Sherer-101540849

or here too:

http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/sj-r/louis-william-sherer-bill-condolences/171821064?cid=full

Wednesday evening I went to our Legion Riders meeting and we discussed the results from hog roast benefit for honor flight and the upcoming German Dinner.  Since I was hot and perspiring, I had left my windows down overnight and did it pour rain.  Now I'm drying my car out before then next round of pouring comes.  So God wanted me to clean my carpets in my car.  A friend on Facebook warned rain is on the way. I had to do a few errands like dropping food off at the Food Pantry and mail a box to my adopted soldier.  While at the post office, I bumped into Dan who knew about this and he's not even on Facebook. I wondered if my back side looked wet from driving to the post office

I made some great pasta fazul.  I used everything I got on my last trip to County Market:  onion, can of navy beans (it was a marked down dented can), orzo wheat pasta, onion, and Ekridge smoked sausage with the Penny Pincher coupon.  It was very satisfying.

Saturday I woke to a cold house of 60 degrees and didn't want to get out of bed.  I went to a few garage sales.  Nothing much to bring home.  In the afternoon I helped with the joint Legion Riders/axillary German Dinner.  I made a publicity commercial with Bozo the Great Dane who has a hurt leg.

I was exhausted waiting on tables.  We had such good attendance that we were out of rouladden early. I was waiting to cut my hair so I could braid it for my German dress.

Sunday I fixed jambalaya, buttered carrots and buttered eggplant.  I'm still getting odds n ends from the garden.  Then I went to Big Lots for their 20% off sale.  I got my dog food and stuff from my soldiers box.

I watched a video online of the same presentation on Women in the Civil War that I saw in Boscobel's Civil War Reenactment by Shelby Harriel.  I was impressed with her presentation in a Confederate uniform.

Above impression scanned from an article by Tricia Hill appearing in the Boscobel Dial from 8/14/14.  Here is part 1 of her presentations and slide show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VcWQuEtsUg
She has a facebook page called "Forbidden, Hidden and Forgotten" here:
https://www.facebook.com/ForbiddenHiddenForgotten

I'm also watching a PBS special that was recommended by someone from our Soldiers Aid Society based on a book called This Republic of Suffering: Death and the Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust.  I found it online here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/death/player/
 
Monday I went to a PGR mission for Larry Joe White, 67 US Army Vietnam Veteran Greenfield, IL.  There was a lunch reception at the Baptist Church.  Then I came back to Springfield and had my tires air checked because I had a light come on for tire inflation.  Then I got my hair cut at Great Clips for Wigs for Kids. Great clips no longer partners with Locks of Love. Instead they partner with wigs for kids because they don't charge. Drawback is the min length is 12" instead of 10.  I see that they are more restrictive and won't take gray hair. 

I see by their website that I may include a generic letter to the recipient of my wig.

 My dear child,

I understand you are going through a difficult time.  Please accept my hair that I had cut just for you.

I refer to this as my reenacting hair as it was long enough to style for my Civil War woman's impression.  I chose this time for the end of season (mostly ended).  Hence I'll be wearing a bonnet to hide my short hair.

My first coming out with short hair was at our American Legion meeting.  Men generally prefer women to have long hair and I could see it in their reaction.  Others appreciated the donation of my hair for you and knew it will help you temporarily overcome the stares you may be receiving at this time.


May God Bless you,

In the evening I went to an American Legion meeting.  I got a recruiter pin for sponsoring a new member.  I didn't know I'd get a pin. 

Well, it's that time of the year to take the summer quilt off the bed and put the big comforter on the bed. 

My week

Fall is upon us and the trees are turning.  This summer has helped to resurrect my dying spider plant by putting it on the back porch and plenty of natural rain.  I brought out my macrame plant hanger and was so proud of myself to be able to twist out a rope that was wrong.  It took a lot of experimentation.  I don't think I could do it again.  I'm not much of a green thumb with indoor plants but I know they help oxygenate the house in the winter.  That's when I usually kill them. I am also amazed that the Christmas Cactus is going strong and growing. I also have a Boston Fern with similar issues.    It hangs over my kitchen sink in the winter but on my front porch during the summer.  I don't know where I'll place this spider plant on macrame. It had a pedestal before.

 Wednesday is thrift store senior discount day.  While out shopping, I got a short notice call that veterans were needed for a back drop for the governor's announcement of money for the Salvation Army's homeless shelter for veterans.  Yours truly at 1:10 on this video. He mentioned many of the veterans by name Including me.  Veterans shouldn't be homeless. Thanks for making it happen.
 Here is the press release with audio at the bottom of this page.
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12652
I had a nice look around in Spirit Halloween Stoor.  Saw a guys German costume for the upcoming German dinner.

Also I  might go back for tights with scars on them for my zombi look.

 

Thursday I helped at the Old State Capitol.  I gave 3 group tours.  There were at least two starlings flying around inside.

In the evening I helped the Beddels with their computer. Apparently they lost their CD for their Nikon software and I downloaded it for them.  I also showed them how to reduce the size of those large pictures from 5 meg to 66k using a little program called Pixrisizer.  They gave me some apples from their tree.
Friday I went to a PGR flag line at Camp Butler for Gerald Raines .  After that I wanted to do my part to help with set up for Saturday's hog roast benefit for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Saturday I went to the Illiana Civil War in Danville.  I got off at the nearest exit and should have taken the next.  I ended up going all around the lake the long way.  I bought a crinoline cage that I ordered to my size when I was at the sutler in Boscobell last month.  In the evening there was a barn dance.  Since I knew most of the dances, I helped the caller as a lead.  When it came to the hat dance,  a girl who was reenacting in Union Blues tried to join the line of ladies in the dance line.  I pointed her back to the men's line saying, "they'll kick you out of the army!"  Ahhhhh, if looks could kill.

When I got home, I checked my mail and got "free mail" from a soldier thanking my for the box that I sent earlier in the month.

After church I did minor clean up at the post after the hog roast.  I did some floor sweeping and pick up but since there was only one mop and the fact that I was softening a butternut squash in the oven, I then left the small cleaning crew to come home and finish cooking.    I made Squash soup. 

Monday my son was in town for business so we all had lunch together with the Vet Center staff at Applebees.  I used the gift card my brother gave me and it made my day.